Adopt-A-River Day is chilly, yet productive

More than 40 volunteers braved a chilly fall day on the mighty Mississippi River Saturday, Sept. 22, to clean up a famous waterway.

More than 40 volunteers braved a chilly fall day on the mighty Mississippi River Saturday, Sept. 22, to clean up a famous waterway. Xcel Energy’s Monticello and Becker plants power generating both utilize the river for their energy production, and they give it some pampering each fall by teaming up with the local schools and cities to rein in litter and debris along the riverbank. The volunteers included workers from the two power plants, the two cities and from Becker High School’s National Honor Society group.
Volunteers spread out for miles up and down the banks, collecting trash at Nuffy’s Landing in Becker, Ellison Park and Montissippi Park in Monticello and also landings in Clearwater and Otsego.
After more than two hours of river cleaning, the volunteers enjoyed the warmth of hot coffee and a lunch prepared for them by the Monticello Lions Club. Awards were given for the oldest, most hazardous, cutest and most unique garbage item found.
Xcel Energy has organized the cleanup day for more than 20 years. The company’s Adopt-A-River day was part of a larger effort for Xcel Energy’s Day of Caring, with cleanup projects taking place around the state.
“We’re bringing people together who care about our environment,” said Xcel employee Cindy Shore.